Sad and makes me a bit angry given my own recent experience. We saw Aloha - a sistership to the one we were on - a number of times, possibly with different crew. I had a conversation with the base manager in Tortola where he assured me that charterers would be held accountable for violating zones or gross negligence. I wonder.

It says 60 and older OR not AND. That means all 60 yo’s AND others with chronic high risk health conditions. It seems an overreach now in the face of vaccines and boosters.

Thanks for sharing! It’s great to know we have that level of quality support in the US Coast Guard!

Yes, we're in the same boat. I believe we are on the same WestJet flight down on January 13th. Our refundable period just expired, unless either Sint Maarten or Canada shuts down air travel. Since we are staying for 5 weeks we would take a big hit, so I guess we now consider ourselves committed!

The Canadian government hasn't provided a lot of details on the type of arrival test. I believe the current random tests on arrival for non-Canadians are rapid tests. I have no idea how they would process regular PCR tests for everyone, without hiring massive numbers of staff, and that is not likely to happen. About the only "good" thing, if I can even call it that, is that the tests are at their expense.

The quarantine info about what you can and can't do, until you receive a negative test result, are also a bit lacking in detail. We normally spend the night before departure, as well as our night of return back in Toronto, at the Sheraton Gateway. If we have to isolate in the hotel room on our return, then we will likely just cancel that stay and head straight home. At least at home we can isolate much more easily and in more comfort!

We still have 6 weeks, so I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that they will back off a bit and this is just a bit of an overreaction. We were so pleased when SXM eliminated the pre-arrival Covid test for those fully vaccinated. Hopefully that doesn't change either! Quite frankly, we feel much the same as you. Between all the new testing and potential quarantine hassles, plus the unrest on the French side, we would likely consider not coming after all.

P.S. - I sent you a PM.

We were on the Island Nov 11-25 and caught the tail end of the last uprising. To tell you the truth, it stopped us from going to the French side this trip. First time in 22 years. When you're on vacation you just don't want any hassles. Even when the blockades came down during our trip we had no desire to drive and explore the French side. Carol is right...they have to get it under control. The people are angry and have a right to protest but when a country already recovering from the devastation of Irma gets slapped down again due to the pandemic, I worry for their future. They need tourist dollars but if we feel uncomfortable and in some cases unsafe (masked locals demanding money to pass) then we're going to take our travel dollars elsewhere.

Do they have GPS trackers on these boats? Seems like it would be a pretty easy way to monitor compliance with the red-lined restrictions.

I'd love to watch the Patriots/Bills game Monday night 12/6/2021 at a bar on Anegada. Any ideas?

Kim--would appreciate your thoughts when you arrive. MezzaLuna is in Nettle Bay?? I thought it was in Oyster Pond?

Im heading down Saturday - not to eager to head to the French side. Had big plans for meals in Nettle Bay, coming from Cupecoy its very easy. Let's see what happens in the next few days. Last I saw MezzaLuna was looted, no idea about LaCigale and Mi Ti Beach

I agree that burned cars and blocked roads would be unnerving. I guess my thought was we could take our time and avoid certain areas if needed and cruise passengers may not have that flexibility.

To me, I would do the two bedroom at LVB, knowing that you are guaranteed an ocean view. Plus it gives you a new experience. I personally am VERY fixed on an ocean view. And a 2 BR at LVB would give you a lot more room than a one BR at SBR . Plus, I love the intimacy of smaller resorts. Your mileage may vary.

Agreed, no real usable beach at LVB though.

Congrats! Looks like a beauty.

Dan